Why go to Friuli-Venezia Giulia? The 10 good reasons to go Friuli-Venezia Giulia

Museums and some monuments observe a closing day, often on Monday. They are usually open from 9am to 6pm, but some take a break between 1pm and 3pm. The number of museums that offer a nocturne during the week is increasing, especially the modern art museums. Religious buildings generally close at noon, between 12:30 and 1:00 pm and 2:30 and 4:00 pm.

It is not necessary to reserve your visit for museums and monuments. However, if you wish to visit a winery for a wine tasting, it is advisable to reserve in advance. The same applies to a visit to a producer of San Daniele ham or any other artisanal product.

The average price for an adult entrance varies between 3 and 10 €. Discounts are sometimes available for minors under 16 years of age and for those over 65. Combined tickets are available for several buildings, such as in Cividale del Friuli where the same ticket allows access to the Tempietto longobardo, the Museo Cristiano and the archaeological museum

The region publishes a pass, the FVG Card, which gives free access to the main museums of Trieste and the region, including the monuments of Aquileia and Cividale del Friuli listed by UNESCO. In addition, a series of discounts are offered in wellness centers, for access to cable cars and for boat excursions. The pass is available at the tourist office or online for €25 for 48 hours or €39 for a week; discounts for 12-25 year olds and those over 65: €20 for 48 hours and €34 for a week.

A guided visit to a producer followed by a tasting often costs around 10 €.

The Heritage Days, a Europe-wide event that opens the usually closed doors of historical monuments and buildings to the public, are called in Italy "Giornata FAI di Primavera" in June and "Giornata FAI d'Autunno" in October. The complete list is available at: www.fondoambiente.it/il-fai.

From the traditional city tour to the visit of a museum, from the boat trip along the coast to the mountain hike with a nature guide, the offer is varied. Contact the tourist offices who can direct you to the tour that best suits you. You can also ask for the contact information of a private guide in French for a personalized approach and an individual visit.

In Italy, smoking is prohibited in public places. It is still allowed on the terrace and outside. Be careful with cigarette butts: throwing a butt on the ground can get you a fine (even if all Italians do it). Cigarettes can be bought in the Tabacchi offices (sign with a big T). Most cigarette vending machines only work with an Italian identity card or a tessera sanitaria, Italian health card, in other words not for foreigners. For vapers, electronic cigarette stores are quite rare outside the cities.

If you wish to take a guided tour, make sure that your guide is properly accredited: his or her license, hung around the neck, must be visible while performing his or her duties. The guide has obtained his accreditation after a compulsory training and a sustained examination before a commission appointed by the Province. This guarantees the reliability and quality of the information given during the visit. If a so-called guide approaches you offering his or her services without a permit, don't bother.